About the York Rite
Three bodies, one path of Masonic education for Master Masons in Bristol.
What is the York Rite?
The York Rite is one of the paths a Master Mason may follow to continue his Masonic education. It is made up of three bodies, each conferring its own degrees or orders: the Royal Arch Chapter, the Cryptic Council and the Commandery of Knights Templar. All three meet here at King Lodge.
Anderson Chapter No. 141, Royal Arch Masons
The Royal Arch Chapter completes the lessons of the Master Mason degree, recovering what the Master Mason was told had been lost. Many Masons consider the Royal Arch degree one of the most meaningful in all of Freemasonry.
- Mark Master
- Virtual Past Master
- Most Excellent Master
- Royal Arch
Bristol Council No. 126, Cryptic Masons
The Cryptic Council, sometimes called the Council of Royal and Select Masters, explains events that bridge the Master Mason and Royal Arch degrees, filling in parts of the story that are only hinted at elsewhere.
- Royal Master
- Select Master
- Super Excellent Master
St. Omer Commandery No. 19, Knights Templar
Unlike the Lodge, Chapter and Council, which confer degrees, the Commandery confers three orders: the Order of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta and the Order of the Temple. The Commandery is the Christian branch of the York Rite, and we encourage every Christian Mason to become a member.
Knights Templar are known for their uniforms and drill, their service at Masonic events, and their support of charities such as the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, which funds research into eye disease and helps people who could not otherwise afford eye care.
Who can join
- Royal Arch Chapter: a Master Mason in good standing in a regular Lodge
- Cryptic Council: a Royal Arch Mason
- Commandery: a Royal Arch Mason who professes belief in the Christian religion
Not a Mason yet? Every Mason starts in a Blue Lodge. Start with Discover Freemasonry at King Lodge.
When we meet
- Chapter and Council: 3rd Monday of each month, 7:30 PM
- Commandery: 4th Monday of each month, meal 6:00 PM, meeting 7:00 PM
All meetings are at King Lodge, 35 5th Street, Bristol, Tennessee.